Dear Editor: Thanks to early conservation efforts, vast areas of prehistoric redwoods have been protected from logging where they survive in our State despite generations of an industrial economy.  These redwood forests are now under threat and help is needed if we want these ancient trees to continue into the future.  Poachers are encroaching into protected government and private land to steal the burls from these trees.  By removing their protective layers of bark, these ancient redwoods lay exposed to disease and pests killing them quickly over time.  The burls are sold to lumber mills or craftsmen and this beautiful decorative wood is ultimately used to create high end consumer goods.  With the small number of rangers available to patrol the vast acreage of the forest, the risk of getting caught is limited.  Worse yet, if convicted, current penalties can be easily incorporated into the cost of doing business with minimal impact on the profitability of this enterprise. The California Federation of Women’s Clubs is asking for support of California Senate Bill 288 which increases penalties of burl poaching to include up to one year of imprisonment and imposes stiff fines on poachers in the hopes of making those who would kill our redwoods think twice before seeking this avenue for enrichment.  While this does not resolve the problem of catching poachers, it will reduce the spin of the courtroom doors for those convicted of this offense.  We ask that Californians contact their State Assembly representative to stand with the California Federation of Women’s Clubs to protect our redwoods by passing Senate Bill 288. Jennifer NickelLegislation & Public Policy State ChairmanCalifornia Federation of Women’s Clubs    Dear Editor,I am writing to publicly thank Valley Churches for their generous donation to our scholarship fund for high school seniors this past year. Because of their generosity we were able to help over thirty seniors attend prom, purchase yearbooks, and attend the senior trip. Senior year is such an important time for our students as they celebrate the culmination of their high school experience. To be able to help ensure that all our students and their families could afford these activities was an incredible gift to the Class of 2015. Thank you to Valley Churches and all its supporters.  Leslie Burns,Counselor/Activities DirectorSLVHS  Editor,Today, Wednesday, July 22, 2015, I decided to take a hike near my home.  I passed the Lompico Water Company at 10:00am and was quite surprised to see someone power washing the outside of the LWC building.  I was even more surprised on my return trip at 11:00am to see the same person washing the ENTIRE concrete pad in front of the building, including inside the cyclone fencing.My question to the LWC board of directors is:  Why during a severe drought would you either condone or approve this action?  I would like to see a response in the Valley Press so the entire Lompico community you ‘claim’ to serve understands why this action was taken? Regards,Lois A. RothFelton, CA   Dear Editor:Subject:  Vaccine Choice a Human Right The CDC’s vaccine schedule has tripled since the 1980’s.  Its cumulative effects have never been tested for safety against a control group.  A tax of 75 cents per dose goes into a fund to compensate families of vaccine injury and death.  To date, approximately $3.18 billion has been awarded.  Most injuries go unreported, because many parents and some doctors are unaware that the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) exists.  Vaccine manufacturers are protected from lawsuits.   Today’s children typically receive 49 doses of 14 vaccines by age 6.  For school and daycare entry, 10 vaccines are now mandated by law.  Beginning July 1, 2016, children will be denied access to daycare, preschool, public and private school for missing the vaccine for Hepatitis B or Chickenpox.  According to the CDC, “Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, or syringes.” Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, and is not routinely vaccinated against in Japan, Great Britain and many other countries, yet Californian children will be forced to homeschool if their parents opt out of this vaccine.   The California Department of Public Health admits that 9 out of 10 cases of whooping cough occur in vaccinated children.  According to the CDC, having more booster shots increases the chance of infection by a certain strain of pertussis bacteria which the vaccine cannot protect against.   There are nearly 300 vaccines in human trials.  Obedience to the ever expanding vaccine schedule is not part of the social contract.  I have vaccinated my children, but do not judge parents who select or forgo vaccination, which is their basic human right. Barbara MatessaBen Lomond   Dear Editor,Response to a recent Letter to the Editor concerning vaccinations and autismAutism is a spectrum disorder and there is no one medical test for it yet I disagree that it is diagnosed by anecdotal evidence. In addition to behavioral testing, the affliction most often coincides with a number of medical/neurological issues including, but not limited to: digestive problems, autoimmune disorders (such as food allergies), seizure disorders, apraxia, dyspraxia, proprioception deficits, loss of or failure to develop language, and impaired social skills. Among other causes, research is finding connections between these symptoms and vaccine ingredients within a sub-set of the population due to an impaired ability to detox. As for supporting evidence, included below is a link to 100 research papers making the vaccine/autism connection: http://tinyurl.com/qadws9g I also recommend reading “Dissolving Illusions” by Dr. Suzanne Humphries and watching the movies Trace Amounts and Bought. In addition to Dr. Wakefield, other doctors and scientists that view vaccines as a possible cause for these symptoms can be found in the research papers noted above. Additional doctors include Toni Bark, Suzanne Humphries and Sherri Tenpenny. More can be found with a simple inter-net search.Regarding herd immunity, it is a theory originating in 1933 when a researcher named Hedrich observed epidemics occurred when less than 68% of a population had developed a NATURAL immunity to a disease. Keep in mind true herd immunity doesn’t require boosters.Lastly, live virus vaccines such as the MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus and Flumist are known to virally shed for up to several weeks and can infect the very people you are trying to protect. Those who consider the unvaccinated or under vaccinated population selfish, may wish to consider quarantining themselves after receiving these vaccines until such time has passed. Natasha Stephenson,Boulder Creek    Dear Editor, While I appreciate the balanced reporting and objective tone of the article by Kira Ruvo, on "The serum that fuels debate", I believe that there is no debate over the connection between autism and vaccines. It has been settled science for many years. There is no connection. None. Nada. Zero. Zilch. A single flawed study is still cited as evidence against vaccines, in spite of hundreds of respected, peer-reviewed studies since then that have proved otherwise. There may be some link between the flu vaccine and Guillan-Barre syndrome, due to the nature of that particular syndrome, and its relationship to the immune system. However the jury is still out. A vast majority of the connections made between vaccines and adverse reactions are based on anecdotal evidence. Most adverse reactions reported are so rare. in relation to the number of vaccines given, as to be considered coincidental. By citing the "debate", without citing the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting vaccines, it only serves to give power to bad science, mass hysteria, and the dumbing down of society. After having serious discussions with vaccine opponents, I gained a sincere respect for many of their positions. And, the legislature did address many of their concerns in the final legislation. However, putting science aside, the divide for us finally came down to their "personal choice" versus the "public good". The inevitable court cases will have to hinge on that debate for the vaccine opponents to have any chance at a reversal of public policy. The efficacy of vaccines is settled law. The question is how far do police powers extend when the public health and safety are at stake. Thank you for a thought-provoking article on an important public issue. And, welcome to the new editor! George HaasScotts Valley

Dear Editor,Scotts Valley entertained yet another successful 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza at Skypark for its community and nearby counties!The fireworks and park festivities are the main fundraiser for the Scotts Valley Advocates, who in turn provide funds for the improvements of our parks. This year was by far the most successful and so much fun!As in every event, there are those volunteers who work tirelessly and whose images rarely appear. Kristin Ard, our SV Parks & Recreation Director leads our event with grace, support, and doesn't miss a beat! Ron Clements of Scotts Valley Market brings his staff of 20, trucks, hundreds of pounds of tri tip, chicken, pulled pork, bbq pits and they work on this holiday to give to their community. Ron donates all of the profits to the Advocates. This is more than a donation. The City of Scotts Valley with the help of SV Rotary gives away free watermelon. It is the heart of Ron and those in this city that make Scotts Valley a wonderful place to live. Thank you, Kristin, Ron, SV Police department, City Staff, volunteers in the food, parking, traffic, ticketing, security and all areas that make this event successful. Thank you for your hearts & support. Thank you to all the businesses that donate and sponsor this event. Thank you, Scotts Valley! Patti MaloneScotts Valley Advocates  Dear Editor,  We want to make you aware of a milestone occurring at Mount Hermon on July 18th at 12, Noon. Our long-time residents, Marge and Gil Gunn will be celebrating 75 years of marriage, and in a couple months, 95 years of good health. We would love the community to share in this celebration through the Press-Banner. Contact info:Paul IzorMount Hermon [email protected](408)377-5300  Dear Editor,  San Lorenzo Valley Water District is gearing up for another rate increase, probably by the end of the year. Notices of a proposed change in rates need to be mailed 45 days in advance of a public hearing.  Frankly, if we reduce consumption by 25-percent relative to what was expected at the time of the last rate increase in 2013, a one-third increase in consumption rates is needed to realize the expected amount of consumption revenue. (To get from 75-percent back to 100-percent of revenue takes a one-third increase.)  There are other factors: as customers conserve, some move into lower tiers with lower rates, and costs for chemicals to treat water and electricity to pump water are also reduced. But to a first-order approximation, a one-third increase in consumption rates is needed to support 25-percent conservation.  According to Prop 218, customers don't get to vote yes or no on a rate increase, but during the 45-day period they can file written protests. If more than 50-percent protest, a proposed increase can't go forward.  SLVWD's policy is that only property owners can participate and have their protests count, but many landlords don't even live within the District. The League of California Cities has a Proposition 218 Implementation Guide listing other alternatives consistent with Prop 218. Attorneys throughout the state contributed to that book.  One possible way is that only service customers get notified and can protest, whether they are owners or tenants. Another is that both property owners and service customers get the notice and can protest, but only one protest will be counted per service connection.  A question which came up in public meetings during our last rate increase process was, why aren't tenants' written protests counted? SLVWD should change its policy so they can be. Bruce HollowayBoulder Creek Dear Editor,Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade PieceWhen I pulled the Press Banner out of my mailbox and read the piece on our towns Fourth of July parade...Well to be honest, I was a bit taken aback when in print I read that Scarborough Lumber was hosting the Lumberjack Days. I knew this not to be the truth and when I went online I saw that it was reported online as Boulder Creek Hardware, which is correct. Going forward please ensure that your reporters are getting the right facts. I would like to add a big thank you for covering the parade at all & town activities, but again please give credit where it is due to the right folks.Thanks,Abby Rohrbough Dear Editor,Regarding the article:The Serum that Fuels Debate.I take issue with the comment that "locals polarized as bill injects itself into the community." I would like to see some actual numbers for that statement. I have a feeling it is a very loud minority who is upset and the majority of the locals agree with the bill. It also states that the autism debate has been "ongoing for more than a decade and is well documented online." What it fails to mention is 99% of the documentation is speculation and hypothesis. This issue has been thoroughly vetted and debunked by science.I challenge anyone to find a scientist beyond Andrew Wakefield (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wakefield)who links vaccines to autism. What you have mostly is antidotal evidence of parents who do not understand that correlation does not imply causation.The article focuses mostly on the argument about freedom of choice, but it is not taking in account how not vaccinating is taking that right from the majority of folks who DO vaccinate. The anti-vaccination "choice" is relying on herd immunity which is a first world luxury and piggy-backs on the fact that the majority of Californians do vaccinate their children. It is a selfish choice, and not one that is considering the greater good of the community in which they live. Melanie Cordan,Boulder Creek   

Dear Editor, 

A decade-long chapter on a land deal for the planned new Felton Library has been concluded with the County Board of Supervisors' approval of an agreement with the Verutti family.

Highway 9 Traffic Saftey                                          

Shout-out: Redwood Mountain Faire

Editor,